I don't think this book is suitable for the absolute beginning guitarist, who has no prior knowledge of music. The very basics should be gotten if possible from a teacher or at least in an intro to music class.
However, guitarists persistently put off learning music theory and it slows their development, often fatally (I'm speaking about myself here, up to a point, and I know many others are in the same boat). I'm talking about more than an ability to read at least a certain amount of music. I'm talking about knowing something about how music is put together and why it sounds like it does. And for the guitarist, I'm especially talking about understanding the construction of chords, the ideas behind harmony, etc.
This book gives you what you need as a guitarist. It's not the typical music theory book that explains everything in terms of a piano. The examples use a guitar. The content is useful to the guitarist--- and I say that because even though there are many genres of guitar music, as different as night and day (heavy metal vs. classical is a nice example) the underlying theory is the same. You need to know scale construction, intervals, triads, all the good stuff of which music is made. You'll get it in this book if you're willing to do some work.
Now, the book is fairly spare and if you want a very deep understanding you'll need one of those weighty theory books. That's up to you. But I can say my study of this book paid off from day one and I expect it to continue to do so. There's half a dozen 'aha' moments in every section.
So take it seriously. You can't be a real musician without knowing some music. If you've been playing for six months or more, you're ready. Don't put music theory aside forever. Get your hands on the only theory book I've ever seen that is aimed at guitarists, put in the work, and reap the benefits.
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From the Publisher
Music Theory for Guitarists – Hal Leonard Guitar Method
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
by Tom Kolb
Guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book with online audio access. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams. The accompanying recordings provide 94 tracks of music examples, scales, modes, chords, ear training, and much more!
The book is divided into progressive chapters.
Explore the fretboard layout.
Understand theory basics.
Advance to working on diatonic seventh chords.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2019
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2019
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2019
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2020
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Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2021
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Top reviews from other countries
Sam
Good but too many mistakes
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 5, 2020Verified Purchase
D. MACKENZIE
Perfect simple, clear introduction into the world of music theory for guitarists
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2017Verified Purchase
Ian
Way out of date. Useless!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2021Verified Purchase
Marthos Christoforou
Excellent book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2015Verified Purchase
kylieboi
Good reference book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2019Verified Purchase
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